Blooming Curious

Ben Scholl and David Berlinski, founders of Toolbox Education, discuss their initiative to equip children with evidence-based tools for improving children's mental health. The conversation covers the importance of social-emotional learning, strategies to help kids manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and resolve conflicts. The duo also emphasizes the evolving role of teachers in fostering students’ mental well-being and share useful tried and tested strategies that teachers and parents can implement to help children regulate emotions and deal with anxiety.

Learn about Toolbox Education's workshops for students, parents, and educators, designed to provide ongoing support and skills for mental health and well-being.

🔗 Links: Toolbox Education

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning, go HERE

💌 Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Blooming Curious

00:03 Meet the Founders of Toolbox Education

00:41 The Birth of Toolbox Education

02:58 Mental Health Challenges in Classrooms

03:50 Addressing Anxiety in Students

05:01 The Importance of Outdoor Learning

08:01 Communication and Conflict Resolution

17:09 The Role of Emotional Regulation

22:07 Understanding Emotional Regulation

22:39 Physical Sensations of Emotions

23:49 Teaching Kids to Recognize and Label Emotions

24:32 Challenges in Emotional Awareness

26:20 Conflict Resolution Techniques for Kids

28:44 Tools for Educators and Parents

31:00 Empowering Students with Self-Regulation

34:32 The Evolving Role of Educators

39:31 Parental Involvement in Emotional Development

44:54 Toolbox Education Workshops and Resources

46:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How do we build children's confidence in mathematics to combat math anxiety? Following up on last week's discussion with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, who highlighted that many children entering kindergarten are already behind in math skills, we explore practical strategies that parents and educators can use to establish a solid mathematical foundation in young children. From incorporating positional language into everyday conversations to engaging children in counting activities and hands-on math experiences, we discuss various methods to make math a natural and enjoyable part of a child's daily life.

The episode underscores the importance of early math education in ensuring long-term academic success and reducing widespread math anxiety. Tune in to discover how everyday actions and simple games can make a significant difference in teaching children numbers and building their confidence.

🔗 Links: Read: Practical Steps to Build Students' Confidence in Math

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning, go HERE

💌 Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Episode

02:28 Understanding Math Anxiety in Children

04:50 Building Mathematical Language at Home

09:24 Foundational Skills: Counting Principles

16:34 Practical Counting Activities

18:16 Incorporating Math in Everyday Life

19:13 Pretend Play and Games for Math Learning

24:00 Exploring Shapes and Patterns

30:09 Encouraging Natural Curiosity and Conclusion

Dr. Aditya Nagrath, author of 'Treating Mathematics Anxiety' and founder of the Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, joins the podcast to discuss his mission to remove mathematics anxiety and empower children in their learning. Dr. Nagrath explains how deficits in early childhood mathematics lead to future difficulties, the importance of understanding mathematical language, and provides insights into his program, Elephant Learning.

This digital tool uses adaptive algorithms and gamification to personalise learning paths and effectively teach essential math topics from counting to algebra. Dr. Nagrath also shares strategies for parents to incorporate math into daily life and highlights the importance of maintaining high standards and challenging students. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on supporting children's mathematical confidence.

🔗 Links: Elephant Learning

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning, go HERE

💌 Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Aditya Nagarath and Elephant Learning

00:56 Understanding Early Childhood Math Deficits

02:37 The Language of Mathematics

04:47 Overview of Elephant Learning Program

08:16 Addressing Math Anxiety

16:35 Importance of STEM and Higher-Level Math

25:42 Strategies for Parents to Foster Math Skills

31:01 Success Stories and Personal Anecdotes

35:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Shana Roberts, a multi-talented educator, author, and podcast host of 'Talk and Coffee.' Shana shares her 20-year journey in education, emphasising the importance of building strong connections with children to help navigate through difficult situations and emotions. She discusses her work as a trauma-informed educator using the Berry Street education model and offers practical strategies for teachers and parents to support dysregulated children. Additionally,

Shana introduces her books designed to foster emotional connection with children. She underscores the significance of slowing down, having fun, and being present to cultivate a nurturing environment for children. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable tips to help improve connections with children at home and in the classroom.

🔗 Links: Shana's website: Nurture Connect Play

Shana's podcast

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning, go HERE

💌 Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Shana Roberts

01:01 Shana's Journey in Education

02:44 Creating Nurture Connect Play

04:32 Understanding Trauma-Informed Education

08:12 Strategies for Dealing with Dysregulation

11:26 Building Connections with Children

19:36 The Importance of Fun and Play

20:40 Fostering Resilience in Children

26:11 Advice for Parents and Educators

29:57 Shana's Work as an Author

35:10 Final Thoughts and Impact

36:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

Using loose parts as a key educational strategy to spark children's curiosity. Loose parts is a favourite approach among numerous educators, including Janelle McArdle from My Teaching Cupboard who makes a guest appearance on the show. We explore how these open-ended materials benefit child development across creativity, motor skills, problem-solving, collaboration, and more. With insights from Janelle and practical tips for incorporating loose parts into different classroom settings, listeners are equipped to make learning engaging and impactful. Tune in for a wealth of strategies and resources to foster a love of learning in students.

🔗 Links: My Teaching Cupboard website

My Teaching Cupboard Facebook Group

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go HERE

💌 Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️

Welcome to Alex Peterson, a dedicated Montessori teacher who shares her insights and experience in a Montessori classroom online as @missnearingsmontessori. Alex reveals the creative teaching strategies, hands-on activities, and key differences between Montessori and traditional education methods. She discusses the unique structure of Montessori classrooms, the importance of preparing the environment, and the benefits of mixed-age learning. Alex also addresses common misconceptions, emphasises the value of fostering independence in young children, and provides advice for parents and educators considering Montessori. Join us for an enlightening conversation that highlights the beauty and effectiveness of Montessori education.

🔗 Links: Miss Nearing's Montessori website

Alex Peterson on Instagram

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ To sign up to Get Curious, the newsletter that gives you a dose of weekly inspiration, and the strategies and resources to help you, help children to thrive in their learning , go HERE

💌 Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you appreciate my work and want to encourage me to keep going, you can do so by buying me a coffee! Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the support I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Alex Peterson

01:22 What is Montessori Education?

04:16 Meeting Curriculum Outcomes in Montessori

09:26 Classroom Environment and Materials

16:06 Food Preparation and Responsibility

24:09 Mixed Age Classrooms29:53 Common Misconceptions and Advice

34:36 Alex's Journey to Montessori

37:25 Conclusion and Contact Information

How can Maslow's hierarchy of needs be harnessed to motivate children to love learning? This discussion stems from a popular blog post on the same topic. We explore the hierarchy from the foundational requirements such as physiological needs and safety, to how love, belonging, and self-esteem play pivotal roles in setting kids up for success, ultimately leading to self-actualization and a genuine love of curiosity and learning. T

he episode also highlights practical strategies for parents and educators to nurture these needs.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Download the infographic HERE

Read Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to Nurture Curiosity in Kids

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

01:17 Understanding Basic Needs

05:37 The Importance of Safety and Security

08:38 Love and Belonging

11:43 Building Self-Esteem

15:05 Achieving Self-Actualization

18:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding Sensory Processing: Insights from Early Childhood Consultant Veronica Green In this episode Veronica Green, an early childhood consultant and mother to a neurodivergent child, shares her journey from becoming an ECE in 2012 to founding Cultivating Confidence, an early years consultancy focused on creating inclusive environments where children and educators thrive. Through her personal experiences raising an autistic son and running a day home, Veronica delves into the importance of understanding sensory processing and its impact on children's behaviour. She explains the eight senses, including proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive senses, and how they influence children’s interactions with their environment. She shares practical advice for educators on setting up classrooms to accommodate sensory needs and emphasises the significance of a supportive mindset when working with both children and parents. Veronica also offers tips on balancing the diverse sensory requirements of all students in a classroom.

This episode is a rich resource for educators and parents seeking to better support neurodivergent children in their care.

🔗 Links mentioned:

Connect with Veronica: Cultivating Confidence Website

Find her on Facebook

Find her Instagram

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Veronica Green

00:41 Veronica's Journey into Early Childhood Education

04:19 Understanding Sensory Processing

10:26 The Eight Senses Explained

20:26 Practical Strategies for Sensory Needs

29:09 Creating Inclusive Classroom Environments

30:30 Mindset and Behavior: A Holistic Approach

32:34 Understanding Children's Needs Through Four Lenses

34:22 Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

38:06 Resources for Sensory Processing

42:24 Supporting Parents and Educators

52:41 Balancing Classroom Needs

56:56 Conclusion and Further Resources

Reasons and benefits of inquiry-based learning (IBL) as a teaching strategy. Inquiry-Based Learning enhances student motivation, critical thinking, and creativity, and links learning to real-world contexts. IBL can furthermore foster a lifelong love for learning, and is the prefect strategy to help students connect knowledge to other subject areas and their own life experiences. Additionally, I addresses some common misconceptions and challenges associated with IBL, and offer solutions and resources for you the educator.

🔗 Links:

Read: The most effective teaching strategies for student learning

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️

00:00 Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning

00:12 Boosting Student Motivation

01:00 Real-World Applications

03:39 Enhancing Critical Thinking

05:51 Fostering a Love for Learning

08:04 Building Creativity and Innovation

08:50 Interconnectedness of Knowledge

11:14 Differentiation and Reflective Thinking

13:09 Challenges and Support in Inquiry-Based Learning

16:49 Practical Tips and Resources19:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tonya Gilchrist, an International Education Consultant and Learning Strategist shares her journey towards advocating inquiry-based learning, discusses how to effectively implement inquiry practices within classrooms, and addresses misconceptions around inquiry and agency. She dives into the challenges of standardised testing and talks about her work in transforming educational approaches in schools worldwide. Discover practical advice for fostering student engagement and honouring individual interests while meeting curriculum standards through inquiry. Tonya also shares insights on facilitating cross-curricular learning and balancing teacher-led and student-led instruction to ensure deep, meaningful learning experiences.

🔗 Links: To connect with Tonya through her website

Connect with her on Facebook

Connect with her on Instagram

Connect with her on Linkedin

🆓 Download the FREE e-guide How to Nurture Natural Curiosity HERE

✍️ Sign up to Get Curious, the inspirational weekly newsletter for curious parents and educators HERE

💌Connect with Edwina:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_curious/

Website: https://www.bloomingcurious.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomingcurious

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@edsbloomingcurious

☕️ If you like my work and want to encourage me to keep going you can do so by Buying me a Coffee. Any contribution will be gratefully received and will certainly give me the kick I need to keep going.☕️00:00 Introduction to Tonya Gilchrist

00:57 Tonya's Journey and Passion for Inquiry

02:31 Challenges with Standardized Testing

04:03 International Teaching Experience

06:53 Misconceptions About Inquiry-Based Learning

11:28 The Importance of Hands-On Learning

16:47 Breaking Down Subject Silos

23:43 Honoring Student Interests and Agency

34:21 Celebrating Diverse Talents in the Classroom

35:27 The Joy of Teaching and Learning

38:03 Engaging Reluctant Students

40:53 Building Relationships and High Expectations

46:29 Transforming Classrooms Through Inquiry

53:43 The Future of Inquiry-Based Learning

01:01:39 Staying Curious as an Educator